The Graceland Cemetery at 36th and Maine was established by the Quincy Cemetery Association in 1895. In 1901 it was designated a National U.S. Cemetery and the one at Woodland was abandoned and the soldiers buried there were removed to the new one.

Thad Ward, Quincy and Adams County, Illinois: Old Time Happenings and Events of the Pioneer Days. (Quincy: Thad Ward Publishing, 1936), 47.

Doing errands most of the day on account of Emma—Late in P.M. called at Coolbaughs and took a ride with him and his wife. He told me that a gentleman of the highest standing informed him that Genl Curtiss of Iowa had $150,000 in cash deposited with Mr Buckingham of this city as his share of Cotton speculations in the South which he had got through his position as Genl, by making a monopoly of the trade and granting permits to those only who would divide with him I had intended speaking here to night but there so much excitement about the war that I have concluded to postpone it, for the present and come again in two or three weeks. They wished to serenade me last night and have a speech from me but I would not consent

The Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County exists to preserve, protect and promote the stories of Quincy and Adams County and their connection to our state, nation and world.

The Quincy Herald-Whig’s “Once upon a Time”—

Payson’s Civil War Amputee Moses Bane back in saddle

Moses M. Bane of Payson was one of four Adams County leaders who recruited many of the more than 800 volunteers making up the 50th Illinois Infantry as the Civil War reached full fury. Commissioned a colonel, Bane was named the regiment’s commanding officer, led his troops at Forts Henry and Donelson in February 1861 and was the first man in his regiment wounded when the 50th engaged the rebels at the Battle of Shiloh the following April.

This week’s history columnist Bridget Quinlivan provides further insight into the life of Moses Bane, whose Shiloh wounds cost him his right arm. You can read Quinlivan’s story by clicking here.

Illinois Stories Historical Programming in Quincy

Exhibit focuses on the heroic Adams men at Shiloh

You can watch Mark McDonald’s excellent story on our “Shiloh: Horrible Beyond Description,” exhibit, which aired on WQEC-Public Television’s award-winning Illinios Stories program. Just click the image at right.

Scholars discuss Quincy’s Father Tolton on journey to sainthood

A model for goodness and grace during a lifetime of suffering through slavery and racial discrimination, even in his own Catholic Church, is leading to the sainthood of Quincy’s Father Augustus Tolton. See Illinois Stories’ program about the nation’s first African American priest by clicking the image at right.

Now Open

The centerpiece of this exhibit is the 1862 diary of Pvt. Edward H. Warden, whose entry after the battle resulting in 23,000 casualties, provided the title for this exhibit:

Here are the names of the men of the 50th Illinois Infantry Regiment by the towns and townships they called home.

And now you can click each name to see the related military records. Click here for the list of the 838 men of Adams County who were with the 50th Illinois Infantry Regiment during the U.S. Civil War.

Blue Ribbon Committee Holds Hearing on Gardner Museum

“If ideas were currency, the Gardner Museum of Architecture and Design would have a bright future.” That was the conclusion of one of the nearly 70 people who Thursday evening attended a public hearing on the future of the museum, which closed in March for lack of funding. The hearing was conducted by an independent committee seeking ways to keep the 124-year-old building open as a museum or in a new role.The Historical Society board acquired the assets of the museum when it closed in March. The board asked the Great River Economic Development Foundation to help determine the level of public support for keeping the museum open. Click to continue.

The importance of Quincy and Adams County before and during the Civil War is featured in a variety of exhibits by historic museums and venues in the city. Click on the images at left for visiting hours and contact information.

As a young man, John Wood joined Edward Coles, the state’s second governor, in a successful fight to prevent Illinois from becoming a slave state in 1824, only five years after it entered the Union as a free state. Wood himself would become governor in 1860. He governed from his home at 12th and State, which allowed his fellow Republican Abraham Lincoln to the governor’s office for his campaign for the presidency.

From their home at 415 Jersey, Dr. Richard and Jane Eells helped spirit fugitive slaves to freedom. They were caught trying to help a fleeing Monticello, Missouri slave. An ensuing legal battle was pursued all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court to become the most celebrated litigation involving the Underground Railroad.

Other Civil War exhibitions are:

0 The Quincy Museum, 1601 Maine Street, which has a large collection of Civil War era weapons. 0 The All-Wars Museum at the Illinois Veterans Home, 12th & Locust, home of numerous Civil War artifacts0 The Lincoln-Douglas Interpretive Center, 128 N. 5th Street, which interprets the Lincoln-Douglas debate in Quincy on Wednesday, October 13, 1858.0 The Lincoln-Douglas Debate Memorial in Washington Park, downtown, by famed sculptor Laredo Taft, celebrating the Sixth Lincoln-Douglas debate.

‘Passport’ opens 208 U.S. museums to members

Your membership in the Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County means you are a part of our nationwide “Time Travelers Passport” program that opens the doors of 208 museums and historic sites at free or reduced prices. So if you’re planning a vacation anywhere in the country, check out the list of places that have a reciprocal agreement for special privileges with us. You’ll find them by clicking the Time Travelers image above.

Help us keep history alive. Call me. I’ll explain why your membership is so important. Better yet, become a member and I’ll give you a personal tour.

Reg AnkromExecutive Director

425 S. 12th St., Quincy, IL 62301 217-222-18355

Within weeks of President Lincoln’s call for volunteers for war, nearly 400 young men from 25 Adams County towns answered.

This exhibit interprets their heroism at the first major battle of the U.S. Civil War: Shiloh. o General Benjamin Prentiss of Quincy Hero of the Battle of Shiloh o Col. Moses Bane of Payson, Commander of the 50th Illinois o Pvt. George Robison of Columbus (at left), drummer, Company E